Malayalam actor Salim Kumar dies at 56

2 min readKochiJun 7, 2026 02:47 AM IST

Actor Salim Kumar passes away at 56. (Express Photo By Anil Sharma)

Salim Kumar death news: National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar passed away following a cardiac arrest in Kochi on Saturday. He was 56.

Salim Kumar breathed his last at a private hospital in Kochi, where he was rushed after experiencing health issues. He was placed on ventilator support before passing away.

“He was initiated on ventilator support, antibiotics, dialysis and other life-saving measures. During the hospital stay, he suffered a cardiac arrest and despite maximum possible resuscitative measures, could not be revived,” said the medical bulletin issued by the hospital on Saturday night.

After making a name for himself through theatre and mimicry, Salim Kumar made his silver screen debut with the 1997 film Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam. He went on to become one of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved actors, known for delivering memorable performances in both comic and character roles. Some of his popular films include Satyameva Jayathe, Thenkasipattanam, One Man Show, Ee Parakkum Thalika, Meesa Madhavan, Mazhathullikkilukkam, Kunjikkoonan, Kalyanaraman, C.I.D. Moosa, Thilakkam, Kilichundan Mampazham, Pattalam, Chathikkatha Chandu, Mayavi, Perumazhakkalam, Achanurangatha Veedu, and Adaminte Makan Abu, among many others.

For his performance in the 2010 film Adaminte Makan Abu, Salim Kumar won the National Film Award for Best Actor. He was also a four-time recipient of the Kerala State Film Award.

Apart from acting, Salim Kumar ventured into filmmaking and directed movies such as Karutha Joothan and Daivame Kaithozham K. Kumar Akanam.

Salim Kumar is survived by his wife Sunitha and their two sons Chandu Salim Kumar and Aaromal Salim Kumar.